IMD flags active western disturbance as rain, snow, fog and cold wave grip north India
The India Meteorological Department says a fresh western disturbance will drive widespread rain and snowfall over the western Himalayas from 27 January, with thunderstorms, gusty winds and dense fog affecting several plains states. Cold wave and cold-day conditions are also likely in pockets, and another system may approach around 30 January.
A fresh burst of winter weather is set to affect large parts of north, northwest and central India from Tuesday (27 January 2026), with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that an active western disturbance will trigger widespread rain and snowfall over the western Himalayan region while bringing unstable conditions to the adjoining plains.
In its latest all-India weather summary and forecast, the IMD indicated that Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to see fairly widespread to widespread precipitation, including snowfall at higher elevations, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. The department also cautioned that isolated heavy rain or snowfall could occur at a few locations on 27 January, raising the risk of difficult travel in higher reaches and short-term disruptions in mountain connectivity.
The impact is expected to extend beyond the hills. For the plains, the IMD forecast scattered to fairly widespread light-to-moderate rainfall, with thunder, lightning and gusty winds over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh on 27 January. Similar stormy conditions are also likely over parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, with some areas seeing stronger bursts of wind during active spells.
Alongside precipitation, the bulletin highlights dense fog in isolated pockets during night and morning hours across several northern states, which can reduce visibility and delay road, rail and air movement. The IMD also flagged cold wave or cold-day conditions in some pockets, as day temperatures may remain suppressed under cloud cover and intermittent rain.
Weather officials also pointed to temperature fluctuations through the week, with minimum temperatures expected to swing as cloud bands, wind patterns and rainfall vary across regions. Residents were advised to stay alert for updates because conditions can change quickly when western disturbances move across the northwest.
The IMD added that another western disturbance may approach northwest India around the night of 30 January, suggesting unsettled weather could continue into the end of the month. People in vulnerable areas, including those planning hill travel, are encouraged to check local advisories, plan buffers for delays, and follow safety instructions during periods of heavy snow, hail or reduced visibility.